Portugal international Renato Sanches has handed a blow to Manchester United after admitting that he could prefer a year-long loan with Serie A giants AC Milan.
The Rossoneri have spent in excess of £160m on 10 players to date, and their spending spree is unlikely to cease anytime soon as they look to make the most of their transfer business for the summer.
While the San Siro club have spent reasonably on top recruits such as Leonardo Bonucci and Mateo Musacchio, they have also pursued loan spells for the likes of Franck Kessie and Fabio Borini. According to The Independent, Sanches could be the next in line to join Milan on a temporary basis after admitting he is eyeing a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Sanches provided a standout performance during Bayern’s 3-2 win over Chelsea yesterday, shortly after the game, he revealed that he will seek a move elsewhere in order to better his chances of playing regular football. The 19-year-old managed just six Bundesliga starts last term, and he is now eager to join a club where he could express himself ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
He said: “I’m not satisfied,” said Sanches following Bayern’s 3-2 win over Chelsea. “Of course, I would like to play more that’s why I want to change and go to a club where I would play more. AC Milan is an interesting option. If the opportunity emerges and the clubs can agree, I would like to know. I’m now with Bayern but when we go back to Munich from Asia, we will sit together and hopefully find a solution.”
Sanches was initially tipped to join Manchester United last summer before Bayern Munich clinched his services, but Jose Mourinho admitted that he would not have let such an instance happen, had he arrived at United prior to the player’s switch. The teenager was named the Young player of the tournament at the 2016 European champions which Portugal, but he has since lost his place due to his limited gametime at club level.